On 3 August 2011, Spartak Stepanyan, a beekeeper and the community deputy leader of Hatsavan village in the Syunik region of Armenia became the latest recipient of a Crown Trust KIVA microloan.

This loan is going to help Spartak acquire more beehives which will increase his family income, and, as I'm sure everyone knows, with the colony collapse problems encountered around the globe, this will increase the number of colonies to aid in local crop pollination.

Spartak’s salary and current income are not enough to meet his family’s needs, so Spartak is increasing his number of beehives and furthur developing his business. With this $2,000 loan, he is purchasing the beehives and essentials needed to do this.

With the loan’s help, Spartak will get additional income and will be able to insure a better future for his wife and little child.

This MicroLoan was made under our agreement with www.kiva.org and has been disbursed through SEF International UCO LLC, a microfinance partner of World Vision International. SEF offers a wide variety of business loans to farmers, sole proprietors, and small enterprises, and their mission is to extend business development and financial services to emerging entrepreneurs in search of productive opportunities to support families and communities striving for a decent life for children in Armenia.

Our vision for every child, Life in all its fullness.

SEF International was founded by World Vision International in 1997 and since 2009 has been under VisionFund, a microfinance subsidiary of World Vision International. First licensed MFI in Armenia, SEF International is regulated by the Central Bank of Republic of Armenia (CBA) as of 2003.

SEF International is a socially responsible organisation. The organisation has established a set of operating targets separated into social performance requirements, financial sustainability goals, and risk restrictions.

Achievements in performance, processes and culture were reflected in CGAP Financial Transparency two Merit Awards for 2005 and 2006. In September 2006 SEF, received BB+ rate from a CGAP-recognised independent rating agency. In subsequent year the rate was increased to BBB- . In 2010 SEF has received BBB- stable rating, and its first social rating BBB.

Currently, SEF is operating through two branches in Yerevan, branch offices in Gyumri, Sisian and Kapan, and representative offices in Talin, Stepanavan, Goris and Meghri. The majority of SEF clients are located in the poorest rural communities. SEF has been offering a variety of loan products to farmers, urban businesses and consumers focused on improving the quality of life for children.

Our Vision

Our Vision SEF shares its founder’s vision: Our vision for every child, Life in all its fullness.

Our Mission

Extend business development and financial services to emerging entrepreneurs in search of productive opportunities to support families and communities striving for decent life for children in Armenia.

More information about SEF is available at the website here: http://www.kiva.org/partners/169